CinemaBravo

Following the success of ‘Lolo and the Kid,’ acclaimed writer-director Benedict Mique returns with another film that captures present-day realities while celebrating the indomitable Filipino spirit and deep love for family.

Starring multi-awarded actor-singer LA Santos and screen darling Kira Balinger, ‘Maple Leaf Dreams,’ is an official entry in the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, scheduled for screening from September 4-8 in select local cinemas. A nationwide release is set to follow on September 25. Produced by 7K Entertainment, Benedict Mique’s own Lonewolf Films, and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, the film is distributed by Quantum Films.

In the film, LA and Kira portray Macky and Molly, a couple who venture to Canada in pursuit of a better life for their families. Their journey is fraught with challenges and fears that test both their love and determination to achieve their dreams. The film was largely shot on location in Toronto, Canada, with eighty percent of the scenes filmed there.

The cast also features veteran actors Joey Marquez and Snooky Serna as Molly’s parents, and Ricky Davao as Macky’s father. Special roles are played by Malou Crisologo, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia Vito, Luke Alford, Kanishia Santos, Benito Mique, Wilson Martinito, and Canada-based beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago.

Director Benedict Mique was inspired to create ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ due to the growing number of Filipinos moving to Canada. He notes, “Kung noon, sa US at Europe nagpupunta ang mga Pilipino para humanap ng mas magandang buhay, ngayon Canada na ang destination.” (“If before, Filipinos would go to the US and Europe to seek a better life, now Canada is the destination.”)

While many local films have explored the experiences of Filipinos abroad, ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ stands out for its relevance and deep understanding of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) experience.

LA Santos, a three-time Best Supporting Actor, shares, “Ipapakita namin sa pelikula kung ano ang talagang pinagdadaanan ng OFWs sa Canada, at saka kung gaano kahirap magpunta sa isang lugar na hindi ka pamilyar.” (“We will show in the film what OFWs in Canada truly go through and how difficult it is to go to a place where you are unfamiliar.”)

Director Benedict spent several months in Toronto conducting research and speaking with Filipinos living and working there. Some of these Filipinos were even cast in the film.

Kira Balinger adds, “When you say OFW, you immediately think of the successful family member who is in another country. What we will be showing is how they got to be successful, all of their struggles to make their dreams come true.”

Filming in Canada provided valuable lessons for the entire team, both on and off screen. LA Santos reflects, “Natutunan ko sa character ko na hindi madali ang buhay pero ang mga taong makakasama natin at ang mga taong mamahalin natin, sila rin ang hahatak sa atin paitas.” (“I learned from my character that life isn’t easy, but the people we are with and the people we love are the ones who will pull us up.”)

‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ is also set for theatrical screenings in Canada, bringing this touching story closer to the Filipino community abroad.